Late Irene Cara’s Late Mother Louise Escalera; When Did She Die?

Louise Escalera is the late mother of a late American singer, songwriter, and actress Irene Cara. Her daughter was best known for her role as Coco Hernandez in the 1980 musical film Fame. Alongside her role, she gained fame for her performance in the movie’s title song Fame which tasted major commercial success in several countries.

Aside from being a celebrity mother, very little about her personal and professional life is known about which we’ll talk later. Coming up to 2023, it’s been almost one and a half decades since Louise Escalera left the world. But, many of Irene’s fans might still don’t know how her mother Louise die.

So, in this article, we’re exploring everything about Cara’s mother from her birth to death, including her marriage, early life, and career.

Louise Escalera Was Of Cuban Descent 

Irene Cara’s late mother, Louise was born to Cuban parents on 28 November 1923 in Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida. Her birth name was Louise Betancourt.

She was raised single-handedly by her father Silvester Bentacourt as her mother Margarita Medero Bentacourt died while Louise was an infant.

Talking about her ethnicity, Louise had Cuban ancestry. Once her famous daughter Irene talked about her ancestry on her Twitter and tweeted,

Cuba is my ancestral home on my mother’s side. I look forward to going. Something my mom could never do and I pray this begins a new era!

Born in American land, the celebrity mother was an American national.

Escalera’s Mom Died When She Was Just A Baby

Her mother Margarita was a Key West, Florida native born on 2 November 1899. But sadly, she died on 4 May 1925 just at the age of 25. How she died is still the media’s concern but after her death, Margarita’s body was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida.

Talking about Escaler’s father Sylvester, born on 13 December 1895 died at the age of 53 on 14 October 1949 and was later buried in Marti-Colon Cemetary.

What Did Louise Escalera Do For A Living?

The Florida native was a working woman. She worked as a cashier and also as a movie usher. But the job she did in her life was not actually for living expenses instead it was to finance her daughter Irene’s music lesson. And her sacrifice for her daughter wasn’t a waste at all rather it flourished her child’s musical career.

Just at the age of 8, Louise’s daughter Irene released her first album in the Spanish language for the Latin market and then an English language Christmas album. Her singing credits include albums and singles Anyone Can See, Carasmatic, Hot Lunch Jam, Downtown, and many more. From her several hit lists, Irene won Academy Awards and Grammy Awards. Besides, Cashbox magazine honored her as the most promising female vocalist and a top female vocalist.

Louise Escalera Was Married To Gasper Cara

Louis Escalera tied the knot with the Puerto Rican native Gasper Cara (aka Gasper Escalera). While their exact marriage detail is not known, they reportedly tied the knot in 1960 in New York City.

The couple lived as a husband and wife till the death of Louise’s spouse Gasper in January 1994. The pair together made some media appearances alongside their famous daughter Irene. Until both lived, they had a delightful marriage.

Who Is Louise’s Husband, Gasper Cara? His Short Bio

Louise’s spouse Gasper Cara was born ‘Gasper Maria Escalera Figueras’ on February 10, 1917, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He was raised by his parents Ramon Escalera and Cruz Figueras Gonzalez alongside his siblings and half-siblings.

By profession, Escalera’s hubby was a retired saxophonist and a steel factory worker. Louise’s partner died on January 13, 1994, in New York at the age of 76.

She Had Five Children With Her Spouse

Together with her hubby Gasper, Louise had five children. She was the mother to her three daughters, including Antoinette Greer & Irene Cara. Further, she also had two sons whose identities aren’t revealed as of yet. Besides Irene, all her other children have a low-key life so the detail of their inside life is out of media access.

In contrast, her youngest daughter Irene was born on March 18, 1959, in New York City, United States. Soon after her birth, Louise was the one who initiated Irene’s training in dance and later in music. She was the one who recognized her daughter’s musical talent initially.

Louise alongside her hubby did everything for their talented youngest child. As a result, she accomplished a lot in the American music industry in her almost 4 decades career span. Once in an exclusive talk, the Certain Fury singer credited her mom for her career in the entertainment industry and said her mom was the greatest stage mother.

Louise’s Daughter Irene Died At 63; What Was The Cause Of Her Death?

At the age of 63, the musician Irene took her last breath on November 25, 2022, at her home in Largo, Florida, US.

As per the medical reports, the cause of her death was Arteriosclerotic and Hypertensive Cardiovascular Disease.

Louise Escalera Is No Longer Alive; When Did She Die?

The celeb mom Louise died on 27 September 2010 in New Port Richey, Pasco County, Florida, USA. At the time of her death, she was 86 years of age.

She probably died naturally in her late 80s as no other specific reason behind her death has been mentioned. After her death, her body was cremated.